Exceptionality and Disability, BAE

Department of Special Education and Education Leadership, Woodring College of Education

80-85 credits

Introduction

Completion of this major and the required professional education courses results in a BA in Education. Students who complete this major typically seek employment in non-school settings, such as health and human services and non-profit organizations; they do not qualify for a teaching certificate.

Why consider the Exceptionality and Disability Major?

Many professionals work with persons with disabilities in a variety of venues other than schools and do not require the same pedagogical knowledge base expected of special education teachers. However, to effectively advocate for and to work with individuals with disabilities, it is imperative that professionals have a solid background in a variety of topics central to the provision of supports for individuals with disabilities. We, in the Department of Special Education, believe that professionals should support individuals with disabilities in accessing inclusive community opportunities that are available to persons without disabilities. A major in Exceptionality and Disability provides foundational knowledge to professionals who interface across a variety of settings, including school, home, agencies, and community.

Contact Information

Department Chair Gail Coulter Miller Hall 201E 360-650-2667 Gail.Coulter@wwu.edu

Program Advisor Keith Hyatt Miller Hall 201C 360-650-2353 Keith.Hyatt@wwu.edu

Teacher Education Admissions Miller Hall 150 360-650-3313 https://wce.wwu.edu/admission

Sample Careers

Supported employment provider, supported living supervisor, advocate, community recreation specialist, positions with nonprofit agencies.

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

Admission and Declaration Process

Admission to Western Washington University and admission to the Department of Special Education are required before a student may begin taking courses in education. Requirements include:

• completion of a minimum of 45 credits (see list of recommended GUR courses),
• cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher for the last 45 credits,
• completion of an English composition course, with grade of B- or higher,
• Meet the Washington Education Skills Test-Basic (WEST-B) requirement. This may be met by a) passing the West-B exam, b) SAT minimum scores, c) ACT minimum scores. See the WEST-B Requirement website for more information, https://wce.wwu.edu/admissions/west-b-requirement. Passing scores must be on file by the application due date.

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in all coursework.